Phoenix isn't usually among those cities one thinks when one lists the nation's capitals of culture. This is in spite of the city's sheer size, which has it ranked as fourth biggest in the nation. As Arizonans increasingly partake of theatre Phoenix, the biggest city in the Southwest, begins to take its place among the more renowned culture centers.
Young cities, without hundreds of years behind them, face challenges in asserting themselves. The rewards of successfully doing so, however, are significant, and in ways beyond inter-city rivalry. These cities, typically built along a pre-existent network of freeways, always face challenges in making true communities. The theatre is a wonderful way to build community.
Phoenix, AZ has roots in the Old West, but it truly came of age during the same decades that brought us the highway system and the novelty of TV. In ways that tended to dove-tail each other, these novelties worked to corrode the development of a sophisticated urban life. People driving about at eighty miles per hour rarely take the time for the pleasure of walking about, taking in the night life alongside fellow citizens.
In its own way, TV is yet more of a suppressant for city living, as it provides the ultimate narcotic of entertainment while comfortable on one's own couch. There are now whole generations who are TV drama junkies, but who are lacking in any experience of the thrill of living actors performing in real time in front of a live audience.
In response, the city has developed its downtown into a secret treasure and cultural corridor. Not just the venues, but the architecture itself is a delight to the eyes. The downtown is, in itself, the first course of an evening out that can include fine dining and strolling beneath the stars.
Some spaces provide world class popular entertainment, which adds sizzle to the downtown experience. The Orpheum focuses on popular, broadly loved performances, including Broadway musicals. The Comerica is a music hall and stage that entertains the public with the world's finest pop music and comedy stars.
Two treats of architecture are showcases for living drama. The Phoenix Theatre gives fresh dramas penned by the nation's best dramatists, as well as the most sophisticated new musicals. It provides classes in writing as well as acting for teenagers among a broad menu of community outreach projects to build a public appetite for drama.
The Herberger Theater Center, an intimate venue, is one of two homes for the Arizona Theatre Company, the other being in Tucson. Its program includes its own outreach programs, including programs for teachers and their students. It favors thrillers, detective dramas, and works from top tier TV writers.
There seems to be no more "fly-over country, " at least not here. The desert is beginning to bloom culturally, and the secret is out. Increasingly, Arizonans are leaving their homes and TVs behind, perhaps with the DVR recording for some future night. Tonight, they have decided, is time for dinner and a show.
Young cities, without hundreds of years behind them, face challenges in asserting themselves. The rewards of successfully doing so, however, are significant, and in ways beyond inter-city rivalry. These cities, typically built along a pre-existent network of freeways, always face challenges in making true communities. The theatre is a wonderful way to build community.
Phoenix, AZ has roots in the Old West, but it truly came of age during the same decades that brought us the highway system and the novelty of TV. In ways that tended to dove-tail each other, these novelties worked to corrode the development of a sophisticated urban life. People driving about at eighty miles per hour rarely take the time for the pleasure of walking about, taking in the night life alongside fellow citizens.
In its own way, TV is yet more of a suppressant for city living, as it provides the ultimate narcotic of entertainment while comfortable on one's own couch. There are now whole generations who are TV drama junkies, but who are lacking in any experience of the thrill of living actors performing in real time in front of a live audience.
In response, the city has developed its downtown into a secret treasure and cultural corridor. Not just the venues, but the architecture itself is a delight to the eyes. The downtown is, in itself, the first course of an evening out that can include fine dining and strolling beneath the stars.
Some spaces provide world class popular entertainment, which adds sizzle to the downtown experience. The Orpheum focuses on popular, broadly loved performances, including Broadway musicals. The Comerica is a music hall and stage that entertains the public with the world's finest pop music and comedy stars.
Two treats of architecture are showcases for living drama. The Phoenix Theatre gives fresh dramas penned by the nation's best dramatists, as well as the most sophisticated new musicals. It provides classes in writing as well as acting for teenagers among a broad menu of community outreach projects to build a public appetite for drama.
The Herberger Theater Center, an intimate venue, is one of two homes for the Arizona Theatre Company, the other being in Tucson. Its program includes its own outreach programs, including programs for teachers and their students. It favors thrillers, detective dramas, and works from top tier TV writers.
There seems to be no more "fly-over country, " at least not here. The desert is beginning to bloom culturally, and the secret is out. Increasingly, Arizonans are leaving their homes and TVs behind, perhaps with the DVR recording for some future night. Tonight, they have decided, is time for dinner and a show.
About the Author:
You can visit www.vyt.com for more helpful information about Theatre Phoenix And The New Western Night Life.
No comments:
Post a Comment